SWR also faced a protest by members of the RMT union on Monday (August 21) over its refusal to rule out introducing driver-only operated trains on the network - an issue that has led to crippling strikes on Southern trains.

Extra engineering work at Waterloo from Thursday (August 24) meant some services would be reduced by up to 75% until the following Monday.

However, commuters reported they were unable to use SWR's website to view the revised timetables, with the journey planner claiming no trains were running at all. SWR directed them to the National Rail website, which provided the correct information.

SWR's warnings to avoid using the service between Thursday and Monday led to eerie scenes at Guildford station , which was largely deserted during the normally busy rush hour on August 24.

Platforms quiet at Guildford Station (Image: Linda Parks)

In addition to disruption caused by the Waterloo upgrade works, passengers suffered delays due to more familiar causes.